Tuchel backs Bellingham to become future England captain

Thomas Tuchel has opened the door for Jude Bellingham to become England's permanent captain, after the Real Madrid midfielder finished the 2-0 win over Czechia in Prague with the armband. It marked the second time in four days that the 21-year-old has taken on that role in the closing stages of an international fixture, underlining his growing influence within the squad.

• Bellingham ended the match as captain for the second time in four days.
• Tuchel said anyone who finishes games with the armband can become the permanent captain.
• The midfielder came off the bench and picked up a minor knock late on.
• England travel to Rijeka on Saturday to face Croatia in their third match of this window.
• The head coach welcomed an unglamorous but effective win after the defeat to Spain.

Bellingham takes the armband from Harry Kane in Prague

Three days on from the 3-2 home loss to Spain, England headed to Prague for a Group A3 clash in the Nations League. The contest swung firmly in England's favour when Pavel Sulc was sent off in the first half. Anthony Gordon put the visitors ahead just after the break, and regular skipper Harry Kane struck shortly before leaving the pitch.

As Kane departed, the captain's armband went to Bellingham, repeating the scene from the Spain game. It was not an unfamiliar situation for the Real Madrid player, who had already captained England in a friendly against Costa Rica before the 2022 World Cup. Tuchel framed it as a natural reward for the midfielder's current standing.

If you are the captain at the end of these matches you can for sure be the permanent captain.

How England managed Bellingham's minutes

England's coaching staff decided against starting Bellingham because of the demanding schedule in this international window. The midfielder has carried a heavy workload throughout the season and faced a quick turnaround between matches. Tuchel explained that both of them ultimately agreed that a cameo role was the sensible option.

The head coach revealed there had been a light conversation before the match about the player's involvement. Both wanted him to start again, but the rational call was that around 30 minutes would be enough on this occasion. Even so, Bellingham's demeanour on the bench convinced Tuchel that he is happy and committed to the national team.

The midfielder finished the game with a small niggle. Tuchel hoped it would prove nothing serious and that Bellingham would be available for the next fixture.

What England still have to play for in the Nations League

England are working through a packed run of fixtures in the top tier of the Nations League. The win in Prague helped restore some calm after the setback against Spain, the reigning European champions. It was not a sparkling display, but it keeps the team in contention at the top end of the group and strengthens their push for a strong finish.

The next test comes on Saturday in Rijeka against Croatia. It will be the third of four matches in this international meet-up, a heavy schedule that demands careful rotation. For Tuchel, low-key victories are part of the job: not every evening can be dazzling, and sometimes the priority is simply to win with control and move on without drama.

Sometimes you just need to leave the stadium, win 2-0, have a relaxed evening and go onto the next one.

England's win amid the Manchester City fallout

The match at the Fortuna Arena took place on a dramatic day for English football, after Manchester City were found guilty of all charges relating to Premier League financial rule breaches. City players Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson featured hours after the announcement, while club teammate Nico O'Reilly watched from the stands because of a minor injury.

When Tuchel was asked about the development, England's press officer stepped in to make clear it was a legal matter and there would be no comment on it. The message was firm: no further questions on the subject. England's focus remained purely on the sporting side and a win that brings some tranquillity back to the camp.

Bellingham's rise with the England national team

Bellingham has established himself as a vital piece for England since bursting onto the scene at the 2022 World Cup. His growth at Real Madrid has elevated him further within the national setup, where he is now one of the youngest leaders in the dressing room. At 21, he already carries significant experience in major tournaments and has shown the personality to embrace responsibility.

Wearing the armband in consecutive matches is no accident. It reflects the coaching staff's trust in his leadership and his ability to represent the team when Kane is not on the pitch. Whenever the permanent succession happens, Bellingham looks like a strong candidate to take over.